Romanian F16 jets shoot down two drones over Black Sea

Romanian F-16 fighter jets shot down two drones over the Black Sea on Saturday, Euronews and other outlets reported based on statements from authorities. Defense Minister Radu Miruta said the first drone entered Romanian airspace at around 17:59 and was shot down within two minutes. The engagement took place 25 kilometers southeast of the town of Sulina. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

A second drone in the same area was targeted and shot down at 18:05, Euronews reported. The Romanian Defence Ministry stated in a press release that two F-16 aircraft on air policing missions carried out the interception. The ministry later identified the targets as jet-powered attack drones from the Geran family. [1]

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics, Lockheed Corporation, and Lockheed Martin. Primary operators include the United States Air Force, NATO partners, and other foreign militaries. The aircraft are regularly used for air policing missions across NATO territory. [7]

The Black Sea is located between Europe and Asia and is bordered by six countries, including Romania, Ukraine, and Russia. It functions as a critical maritime corridor for energy transit and regional agricultural exports. [8][9]